—— Dividing Line ——
Somewhere on the Yorbian Continent, inside a luxurious room.
Liam sat on a wide leather chair, looking at the closed screen before him, a faint smile playing on the corners of his mouth.
"Hehe..."
He chuckled softly.
In that smile, there was mockery, contempt, and a high-and-mighty composure.
"Just a bunch of fools blinded by power."
He picked up the coffee on the table and took a light sip.
"Accustomed to being on high, they won't even spare a glance at the files."
He put down the coffee cup, his gaze falling on the open file.
On the first page of the file was a photo—a young man in white clothes with calm eyes.
Below the photo, his name was written: Leo.
"In this era, intelligence is what matters most."
Liam picked up the file and slowly flipped through it.
"Hmm—truly admirable."
The file detailed Leo's experiences over the past few years—
Record at Heavens Arena, the process of helping the Colton Gang, performance in the Hunter Exam, resolution of the Aistan Island incident, annihilation of the Genei Ryodan...
Every event had detailed times, locations, and even an analysis of the strength Leo displayed in battle.
Liam read very seriously.
He wasn't one of those pampered wastes who only knew how to sit in high positions and give orders.
To climb from the bottom to his current position, he relied on patience, caution, and—valuing intelligence.
"How troublesome, it seems the cooperation will end early."
He leaned back in his chair, fingers lightly tapping the table.
"Should I change partners?"
He talked to himself, his tone relaxed and at ease.
"These guys are useless now."
He shook his head.
"Forget it. I still need them for the time being to complete my goals."
Liam continued to flip through the file, page by page, without missing a word.
When he reached the last page and closed the file, his expression had changed.
The previous contempt and mockery had vanished.
Replaced by a serious, scrutinizing gaze.
"A second Netero..."
He murmured.
"No, perhaps even stronger than Netero."
He stood up and walked to the window.
Outside, the city landscape was in full view, prosperous and bustling.
"One Netero already gives the V5 a headache. Another one, younger and more energetic..."
He paused.
"I'm afraid the Hunter Association will grow even larger and more difficult to control."
He turned around, looking at the pile of files on the table.
Sophia, Shizuku, Kastro, Nico, Goreinu, Hisoka, Machi Komacine, Ashir... and the deceased Doctor.
Every file had been carefully studied by him.
On his left side was a handwritten copy—'Journey to the New World: East'.
Liam walked back to the table, his left hand gently stroking the cover of the handwritten book.
His gaze became distant, as if piercing through the walls to see a far-off place.
"This era..."
He said softly.
"Needs courageous young people to lead."
He looked up at the calendar on the wall.
There were five months left until September 1st.
Liam withdrew his gaze and sat back in his chair.
He picked up Leo's file and opened the first page again.
He looked at the young man's face in the photo and remained silent for a few seconds.
Then, he smiled—a smile without contempt, only a kind of... expectation.
"Let's stall for now; let me see how far you can go."
He put the file back on the table, picked up the coffee, and drank it all.
Liam sat in the leather chair, his gaze falling on the file.
No rush; it wouldn't be interesting if it ended too early.
Two days later, Heavens Arena.
The familiar giant tower still stood tall and majestic, reflecting a cold, hard luster in the sunlight.
Leo entered the hall and took the elevator directly to the 200th floor.
The hallway was quiet; occasionally, a few competitors passed by, nodding in greeting after recognizing him.
Leo responded to each one, walking toward Wing's room with a light step.
Before reaching the door, he heard movement coming from inside.
"No, no! Killua, your movement is too fast, slow down!"
"It's because you're too slow, Gon."
"Again, again! This time I'll definitely keep up!"
"Tch, you won't keep up even if we do it a hundred more times."
Leo's mouth curled up slightly.
These two little guys were indeed here.
He walked to the door and raised his hand to knock.
"Come in."
Wing's voice came from inside.
Leo pushed the door open.
The scene in the room was clear—Wing sat cross-legged on a mat, holding a book, looking leisurely.
Chiharu stood to the side, looking at something seriously.
While Gon and Killua stood face to face, seemingly practicing some moves.
Hearing the door, everyone turned their heads at the same time.
Leo stood at the doorway, greeting them with a smile.
"Yo, Senior Brother Wing, Chiharu, long time no see!"
Gon was the first to react.
His eyes lit up, and he shouted excitedly.
"It's Mr. Leo!"
Killua's body stiffened slightly.
He hadn't noticed anyone approaching at all. It wasn't until the knock that he realized someone was standing outside.
Cold sweat instantly broke out on his back.
This person... when did he arrive?
He stared at Leo, memories flashing through his mind—the Hunter Exam, the World Tree, the figure jumping from the tree, the examiner who shattered the arena with one punch...
It was him.
Killua curled his lip and looked away.
He didn't like this guy very much.
He always felt an indescribable sense of pressure from him that made him uncomfortable.
Wing put down his book, a smile appearing on his face.
"How do you have time to run back here?"
Leo walked into the room and naturally sat on a nearby chair, crossing his legs.
"Finished my work, came back to see you guys."
He glanced at Wing, his tone teasing.
"And to see if Chiharu has been corrupted by you."
Wing rolled his eyes at him.
Chiharu immediately stepped forward, seriously defending his Master.
"Junior Martial Uncle Leo! The Acting Master teaches me very responsibly every day and has never been lazy!"
Leo smiled at his serious expression.
"Is that so? That's good then."
Gon's eyes sparkled as he listened, and he leaned in, asking curiously.
"Are Mr. Leo and Mr. Wing fellow disciples?"
Killua also pricked up his ears.
Their relationship was actually that deep?
Leo nodded.
"That's right. Wing and I were both taught by the same Master."
Gon's eyes brightened further, and he said with admiration.
"That's amazing! A Master who could teach someone as incredible as Mr. Leo must be very strong! Can we know who it is?"
Leo looked at his expectant expression and gave a mysterious smile.
"You'll find out in the future."
Killua put his hands behind his head and leaned against the wall, curling his lip disdainfully.
"Tch, playing mysterious."
Leo turned his head toward him, still smiling.
"By the way, Killua."
Killua looked up, alert.
"What?"
Leo said with a smile.
"Why don't you call me Junior Martial Uncle?"
Killua froze, then flared up.
"Why should I?!"
Leo pointed at Wing, his tone matter-of-fact.
"Your Nen was awakened by Wing, right? Naturally, you're Wing's apprentices. Wing and I are fellow disciples, so what should you call us?"
Killua's face instantly fell.
He opened his mouth to argue but found there was really nothing to refute.
"Hmph..."
He gave a low hmph and turned his head away.
Gon, however, clapped his hands in realization.
"Oh! Mr. Leo is right!"
He patted Killua's shoulder with a serious face.
"Mr. Wing taught us Nen, so he's our Master. Mr. Leo is Mr. Wing's Junior Brother, so he's naturally our Junior Martial Uncle!"
Killua turned to glare at him, poking his head.
"Gon! Whose side are you on? You're driving me crazy!"
Gon's head bobbed from the poking, but he was still grinning.
"I'm on the side of logic!"
Chiharu also spoke up.
"Gon is right. Killua, you should be more respectful!"